A mental health professional like a Psychiatrist is the right person, since as part of their training, they deal with drug addiction –both medical and psychological aspects of it.

Psychiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat other psychiatric illnesses which often coexist with drug addiction. In fact, many people who are addicted to drugs are also diagnosed with other mental disorders and vice versa..

Drug abuse is also known to bring about symptoms of another mental illness , for e.g., there is increased risk of psychosis (loss of reality contact) in marijuana users or severe depression after cocaine use. Conversely, mental disorders can lead to drug abuse, possibly as a means of “self-medication.” Patients suffering from anxiety or depression may rely on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs to temporarily alleviate their symptoms.